Eastern Cape bus crash: Death toll rises to 31 after toddler dies

A one-year-old girl who was onboard a bus that crashed on the N2 between East London and Butterworth, has died from her injuries, which takes the death toll to 31.

The bus was reportedly carrying 52 passengers and travelling from Cape Town when it plunged down a steep on Monday afternoon, 16 August 2021. It is believed that the driver lost control of the vehicle and it overturned.

The death toll had also climbed from 28 on Monday to 30 after forensic pathologists later discovered two more bodies.

According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), 18 people, including the co-driver, sustained no injuries. The main driver of the bus, 4 children, 5 males and at least 20 females, were among those killed in the crash.

Eastern Cape bus accident – Investigation still underway

The RTMC is currently conducting its own probe into the deadly bus crash and is expected to soon release a report into it.

A day after the accident, family members of those killed went to identify their bodies. The family members are now demanding answers, particularly as some of the survivors have said the bus appeared to not be roadworthy.

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has reacted to the fatalities and has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.

“The loss of life is tragic and brings untold suffering to families who have lost breadwinners and loved ones. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and their loved ones. We must all continue to work together in making our roads safe and ensuring responsible driving,”

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has asked that the investigation get to the bottom of the its cause, adding that the province’s road infrastructure is not to blame.

“It’s a solid infrastructure on a national road and that area is a high accident zone which I would think many drivers by now should know that when approaching that space they should be extra cautious,” he is quoted as having said.